Insights into the genetic variation profile of tprK in Treponema pallidum during the development of natural human syphilis infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the tprK gene of Treponema pallidum are thought to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of syphilis, the profile of variations in tprK during the development of human syphilis infection have remained unclear.

Methods/principal findings

Through next-generation sequencing, we compared the tprK gene of 14 secondary syphilis patients with that of 14 primary syphilis patients, and the results showed an increased number of variants within the seven V regions of the tprK gene in the secondary syphilis samples. The length of the sequences within each V region also presented a 3-bp changing pattern. Interestingly, the frequencies of predominant sequences within the V regions in the secondary syphilis samples were generally decreased compared with those found i

SUBMITTER: Liu D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6675121 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature